Rempang Transmigration Project Sparks Criticism; Minister Reacts

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The local transmigration plan for residents affected by the Rempang Eco City national strategic project (PSN) sparks criticisms. Minister of Transmigration Iftitah Sulaiman responded, vowing to take all recommendations into consideration.

"I would be even happier if those who criticize it are present in Rempang to see for themselves, to get a firsthand experience," said Iftitah Sulaiman to Tempo after visiting Rempang Island on Monday, March 31. 

He also sought dialogue to meet the residents’ demand. “Not mere theories,” he said.

The minister claimed that the transmigration plan is part of the efforts to seek a viable solution to the existing agrarian issues in Rempang. He likened it to the government's efforts to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic a few years back, as no theories and precedence were present at the time. “We’re writing them as we go, it’s part of the process,” he said.

Previously, Iftitah Sulaiman proposed local transmigration for the residents of Rempang following the stagnation of the development project of Rempang Island into an integrated industrial, trade, and tourism area, due to the agrarian conflict that has been occurring since 2023.

According to the Democratic Party politician, transmigration differs from relocation, as the program is not only about people’s movement but improving welfare. Iftitah guarantees that the people of Rempang can be absorbed as labor for the industries that will be built. On the other hand, the government will also provide assistance to the people of Rempang who want to remain as fishers or farmers.

Iftitah Sulaiman also promised that there would be no coercion or intimidation for residents to participate in the local transmigration program. He conveyed this on several occasions during meetings with the residents of Rempang at the end of last month. Between 29 and 31 March 2025, Iftitah was on Rempang Island for meetings and to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with the residents.

"Because transmigration must be voluntary," said Iftitah Sulaiman during a dialogue with residents of Kampung Pasir Panjang on Sunday, March 30, 2025. 

While many residents still reject transmigration, Iftitah will start with 68 families who have agreed and now live in permanent residences in the relocation area of Rempang Eco City in Tanjung Banon. The program will commence once the Rempang Transmigration Area is designated.

Since the idea of local transmigration for the residents of Rempang emerged, this policy has indeed been met with resistance from the residents. According to Miswadi, a resident of Rempang and evictee of the United Rempang Galang Community Alliance (AMAR-GB), residents wish for legal rights to their land instead of relocation, as they have lived in the area for generations. Meanwhile, local transmigration, according to him, signifies the eviction of residents from their homeland. "We will remain in our homeland until the end of time," he said.

Secretary General of the People's Coalition for Fisheries Justice (KIARA) Susan Herawati also criticized the local transmigration program, stating that it is a new way of land-grabbing and forcibly relocating residents on Rempang Island. Especially since Rempang Island is not a densely populated area, while transmigration tends to transfer people from a densely populated region to a sparse one.

Another criticism came from economist and Director of Next Policy Yusuf Wibisono, who believes that local transmigration is the same as forced relocation. He also believes that the promised welfare narrative offered by the government is a mere slogan with no clear proof. "If the government truly wants to eradicate poverty and improve welfare, it should respect and protect the rights of Rempang residents to their land," said Yusuf.

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